GMC Produces Pandemic Guidance For Doctors, UK

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 03 Mar 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Doctors may work outside their normal field of practice in the event of a pandemic according to new guidance produced by the GMC yesterday, 2 March 2009.

The guidance, Pandemic Influenza: Good Medical Practice - Responsibilities of doctors in a national pandemic provides the basis for doctors' work should a national pandemic crisis occur.

The guidance follows the GMC's close involvement in the Department of Health's planning for the event of a national pandemic, and would apply should a UK Level 3 pandemic - involving a new virus outbreak in the UK following sustained human-to-human transmission - be announced by the Chief Medical Officer.

Pandemic Influenza: Good Medical Practice - Responsibilities of doctors in a national pandemic has removed certain elements from Good Medical Practice to reflect the practical challenges doctors would face in a pandemic. For example, as the outbreak of a pandemic would be regarded as an emergency, the guidance recognises that doctors could be required to provide care for patients with influenza or other conditions which would not form part of their normal practice. The guidance also lifts requirements for participating in appraisal and performance review.

Jane O'Brien, Head of Standards and Ethics at the GMC, said,

"The main principles of GMC guidance are still at the heart of this revised version of Good Medical Practice, and doctors must continue to ensure that the care of the patient is their first concern in the event of a pandemic. Core duties such as honesty, treating patients with respect and the provision of a good standard of practice and care remain unchanged. We will continue to keep doctors well-informed about their role in the event of a pandemic, and welcome their comments on the guidance in the mean time."

The guidance will be published on the GMC website in early March 2009.

The GMC will review any feedback after six months in order to consider any amendments.

General Medical Council

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